Mini OA torch

[maroon]

That's really helpful about the flame (and the hoses too) Maroon. Certainly a pointy-er flame makes straight fusion welding all but impossible as the two edges just blow apart. Watching some Youtube videos has also taught me that patience is a virtue and time spent on nice close fitting edges and slow methodical tacking before attempting any weld runs is important. I have achieved a rounder flame at times but usually by accident if I'm honest. Also the cheap portapak gauges are pretty useless as below a certain pressure they just bottom out and I'm left guessing. I'm aware though that throwing more money at better kit won't make me a better welder. I know its a practice thing like all skills so I just need to keep buying the very expensive OA and keep practicing.

if you're trying to butt two pieces together without a rod a whole lot of circular wafting and wrist twisting is involved!
it's not the easiest thing to do. you need to be on the ball doing that. especially doing it with sheet.